Symmons name synonymous with Forth

WHILE there are several names which can be readily identified with the Forth Football Club, there are perhaps none more so than the Symmons family.

WHILE there are several names which can be readily identified with the Forth Football Club, there are perhaps none more so than the Symmons family.

KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY: Forth Football Club stalwart Norm Symmons reminisces over newspaper clippings with his three sons (left) Wade, Kurt and Claye. Picture: Brian Holloway.

This Sunday, three men bearing that name will try and edge the Magpies closer towards NWFA premiership glory when brothers Kurt, Wade and Claye take to the field in the club’s cut-throat semi-final against Sheffield.

Father of the trio, Norm, who has made significant contributions both on and off the field at Forth since he first pulled on the boots in 1977, said he was extremely proud to see all of his sons playing together at the club he loves.

‘‘It is a good feeling because I’m Forth through and through.

‘‘I always hoped they’d play together and it certainly makes it a bit easier of a Saturday.

‘‘Rather than going to a game and leaving at half-time to go to another one – which is what I used to do – I can just stay put,’’ Norm said, laughing.

After falling agonisingly close on a couple of occasions himself in the 1980s, Norm is hopeful his sons can win a senior flag.

‘‘It’s a pretty hard road coming from fourth on the ladder and we can’t afford a slip up from here on in,’’ Norm said.

‘‘But we’ve started to play a bit more consistent football now and we’re still a chance.’’

The winner of Saturday’s first semi-final between Turners Beach and Motton Preston will earn a week’s break and a spot in the grand final.